UNICEF and the Ministry of Internal Affairs sign MOU to strengthen cooperation in Liberia

MONROVIA, 04 July 2022 – UNICEF and the Ministry of Internal Affairs signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to strengthen community-based approaches in programme delivery in priority counties.

The MoU intends to put in place a framework for a coherent, efficient, and effective conduct of UNICEF contribution towards the decentralisation policy, including the newly established Outpost in Zwedru and to meeting other objectives.

 “I wish to thank my sister Madam Gad for this great collaboration with UNICEF. Through this MOU, UNICEF and Ministry of Internal Affairs will collaborate on piloting several areas towards progressive realization of child rights in priority counties in Liberia," said Honourable Varney A. Sirleaf, Minister of Internal Affairs in Liberia. "The overall objective of this MOU is to establish a collaboration for creating an enabling environment for the advancement of child rights and support Decentralization in Liberia.”

Piloting several areas toward the progressive realisation of child rights is among the objectives covered within the scope of MOU. Alongside the signature of the MOU, UNICEF and the Ministry of Internal Affairs have agreed on a workplan which defines areas of cooperation and planned activities.  

“This MOU is aligned with UNICEF plans to progressively establish field presence in different counties which have started in 2021 by establishing a field office in Zwedru, with the goal of strengthening institutions at the county level and building on community based systems to accelerate achievement of results for children,” said Laila O. Gad, UNICEF Representative in Liberia. “The proposed areas of collaboration include working with the council of superintendents, national council of chiefs and ensuring youth and children participation and engagement while advocating together for inclusive policies in priority counties.”

UNICEF’s office in Zwedru focuses on two key results for children in the areas of Immunisation and Birth Registration. Additionally, it supports Child Rights Monitoring and Social and Behaviour Change in collaboration with the office of county superintendents and the National Council of Chiefs.

The mobilisation and commitment of the National Superintendents Council of Liberia and the National Council of Chiefs is an important determinant of the Social and Behavioural Change component on multiple issues, including child labour, child marriage and prevention of female genital mutilation.